The 8 best sunscreens for sensitive skin of 2024 - for protection without the irritation

Our tried and tested guide to the best sunscreens for sensitive skin – from creams to sprays and sticks

best sunscreen for sensitive skin
(Image credit: Future)

The best sunscreens for sensitive skin can be frustratingly hard to come by. There's certainly an art to creating a formula that effectively protects your skin from the sun while not irritating dry patches or breakouts, and we've been testing sunscreens for years to ensure they continue to work summer after summer. 

While sunscreens for this skin type do exist, finding them feels like a risky endeavour. "People with sensitive skin may find that some sunscreens can cause irritation, stinging, burning, and redness when applied," explains advanced aesthetic doctor, Dr Preema Vig, who adds that "the use of certain sunscreens can make conditions such as eczema and dermatitis flare up."

Despite this, using sunscreen every day - come rain or shine, indoors and outdoors - is the best way to keep your skin safe, fresh-textured, and even-toned. And while many of the best face moisturisers do feature SPF, there's no substitute for a standalone sunscreen for your face. So it is worth finding a formula that even the most easily-aggravated skin can get along with. That's why we've tried and tested dozens of formulas to nail down the best sunscreens that'll protect your complexion from more than just sun damage, they'll keep breakouts and redness at bay, too.

The best sunscreens for sensitive skin, chosen by our experts


How we tested the best sunscreens for sensitive skin

A selection of the sunscreens we tested for this guide

(Image credit: Fiona McKim)

There are as many types of sensitive skin as there are sunscreens designed for its needs, so this isn't a one size fits all situation. Instead, we trialed dozens of formulas for at least a day each, using several testers with various types of sensitivity, and paid close attention to the following factors: 

  • Ingredients and formulation
  • Sun protection credentials
  • The feel of the formula 
  • How it interacted with the skin
  • Packaging and design 
  • Value for money 

Each product that made this list impressed our testers on the above criteria and was deemed by us to be a reliable, enjoyable to use, shout-out worthy sunscreen for sensitive skin. 

How to choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin

There's a lot to consider when it comes to picking the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, but these are the key factors, according to the experts:

  • Chemical vs physical: There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical-based sunscreens use chemicals like octinoxate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone to absorb the rays of the sun and convert them into heat. Physical sunscreens work by bouncing away the sun's UV rays from the skin's surface. "I would recommend seeking physical sunscreens," explains Dr Vig. "They are a gentler option and contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are less likely to cause irritation as chemical sunscreens do."
  • Consider fragrance-free: "Fragrance is a blanket term for essential oils and perfumes, so it’s difficult to discern exactly what ingredients are being included and how your skin may react," notes  Cindy Ha, lead esthetician at Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. Perfume in skincare can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, which manifests as red, blotchy, scaly patches that are itchy. "Eliminating fragrance from sunscreen reduces the risk of developing a contact allergy," says Dr. Mack.
  • Other ingredients: "Avoid sunscreens that have added parabens, and phthalates as these can also cause inflammation and irritation," advises Dr Vig. Dr. Mack also advises looking for niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to calm redness and inflammation. Generally speaking, look for a shorter ingredient list if you have sensitive skin.

Michelle Rostamian
Beauty & Shopping Writer

Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty writer with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is an editor and writer on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, The Zoe Report, HelloGiggles, Yahoo, Byrdie, Well+Good, Reviewed, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, The Girlfriend, and more.